Hello there, brothers and sisters:
It’s been half a month since our last Messageboard update, so it should be the perfect time for us to share some updates we’ve been working on and how these changes would look like in the game. Let’s take a look at them!
MOST RELEVANT CHANGES COMING TO IMMORTAL LIFE
- Custom key binding You can customize some of the key bindings in the Settings menu soon.
- Auto watering system
We already introduced the Modified Irriwell with a larger water range in our previous update, but we know it’s not enough to cover your all needs. In the current developing version, we’re creating a brand-new watering system that works automatically 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And the best part is, it doesn’t consume your MP — thank Wei Hong later!
We also adjust the size of the watering equipment so they won’t block your sight for checking the field.
- Premium Stone Mill and Fermentation Jar
We are working on enhanced versions of both items. The creation of the jar is still in progress, but we will soon give you more information on how it works. The new Stone Mill is powered (or, we should say... powdered? *ba dum tss*) by a spiritual tortoise that frees you from using it by hand. Also, it introduces an option to adjust how many products you need each round.
- New food processing equipment
The Air-Drying Rack is almost ready for you, with a premium version and new cooking recipes on the way.
- New way of harvesting crops
Originally, this spell was represented by the bag of seeds you can see in the image below. However, we stopped its development to give it a twist because we think it should be more visually appealing. Stick around if you want to know more!
- Pet system
These cute buddies will help you a lot in your daily tasks and, of course, you also will be able to enjoy the best part of choosing them as life companions. Raise your pet, give it your best and have fun playing together in the valley.
Developing version, you should see a different one when comes online.
- Battle system adjustment (1st part) In our first battle system adjustment we adjusted the attack range for both normal attack and battle spells. Plus, you should feel it more natural as they match the special effect we designed. We also introduce new sound effects in the developing version.
- Raising bees and domestic silkmoths We’re already working on these systems with new crop flowers and new recipes for honey!
- New feature for creating and dyeing clothes Silkmoths will unlock this system to create new cloth and change the way you currently dress. Plus, you’ll be able to modify its color!
- A new adventure awaits!
After hearing about how impressive Jiufeng State is for so long time, why not start a new journey and find out what other mysteries it holds? You will visit some other iconic places of this large area, like the one you can see in the image below.
WHEN ARE THEY COMING?
Designing and implementing all these changes is not an easy task. Some of them require more time than others, so they will not all be ready for the next major update. Please stay tuned, we will keep you updated on everything!
We're committed to making as many tests as possible to avoid provoking new major bugs that affect your experience, but please bear in mind it could take a long time due to the limited test environment we have because of our long-distance work-from-home period.
We know you can’t wait to play our latest build, so we made the decision of splitting our game into two different branches:
- The Alpha branch, a private space where we will be testing new features. It's quite unstable and you'll surely find a ton of bugs, but also will allow you to learn about our progress before anyone else.
- The Default branch, the one you’re playing right now.
We will push all our updates to the Default branch after a test period in the Alpha branch.
We'll be opening the Alpha branch in a few days and share the password you need to unlock it. But before you play, here's a little warning:
❗❗❗We strongly recommend Alpha branch players backup the save locally, and start from the beginning. Using the default branch save might damage your save permanently.
THE ROAD SO FAR
The good news is, that most of our May items have been developed so far, and we even push the facial expression for June in our May update! However, with the limited UI human resources we get, the optimization for the map would be postponed to a later date. Concerning the Pet system, we need more time for developing and testing as the one our team is designing turns out to be more complex than planned.
WHAT YOU SHOULD SEE IN JUNE
We’re glad to announce that a new fellow member will come to the valley! Song Yantong will introduce new gameplay designs and adventures for you to experience soon. We expect to include this character in the Alpha version in early-to-mid June, and then push her to the Default branch after major bugs are fixed.
We even have more changes in mind in June. Our list includes:
- UX improvement You mentioned that some aspects of the game make you feel tired instead of relaxed. We’ve listened to your feedback and discussed what kind of changes we should make to fix this problem. We will be able to give you more information on how we will address these changes very soon.
- Main quest update Brother Xie gradually learns about the current situation after his awakening. With the new sect recently built and so many people joining it, what will he do next? Will he join your efforts to rebuild what's lost, or does he plan to discover the truth behind the tragedy? You will find out in this new chapter of the story.
- New personal stories for some sect members You would discover the story behind Song Yantong before you unlock the Bee Raising and Domestic Silkmoth Raising. This June, we would also start developing the story behind Mu Xia and Li Mengqing!
- New building: Sect Kitchen The Sect kitchen will be unlocked after Mu Xia joins the sect. There will be more gameplay designs dedicated to this part of the game, we would introduce them gradually in future updates!
- New trade routes: Fanhua Valley Discover the story of this wonderful place and unlock its furniture and products.
- New sect building: Sect Training Center Brother Xie knows a lot of spells, it’s time to learn from him!
What we also included in our plan:
- More interactivity with your sect members
- Grade of Foundation
- Crops system Update
- Events and Festival
Thank you to all members of our community for your continued support, please understand we would adjust our plan when talented ideas come out or we find something we need to do right now. Please refer to the latest announcement.
Thanks for playing and hope you enjoy your cultivation life!